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Slovenia and Jordan call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East

Minister Tanja Fajon hosted the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Ayman Safadi, whom she has met on several occasions, most recently in Amman in November 2023. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries and devoted a large part of their talks to the current situation in the Middle East.

“Minister Safadi and I discussed at length the Middle East, where Jordan plays an important strategic role. We paid particular attention to the tense situation in Rafah and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Jordan is an important partner for us in the Middle East. I told the Minister that Slovenia appreciates the role of Jordan and the Arab countries, which are working on a plan for the security of Israelis and Palestinians for the day after, and how to establish a two-state solution and the recognition of Palestine. We are working closely together and exchanging views here. I reiterated to my colleague Slovenia's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Slovenia has consistently stated at all levels that a ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian aid are key. I would like to see the United Nations Security Council take its share of responsibility for peace and security in the Middle East,” said Minister Fajon. She added that Slovenia will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, as this is the only way to help the people of Gaza and is essential to prevent a major crisis.

Slovenia and Jordan are like-minded countries with a long tradition of friendship. Both have a strong commitment to multilateralism. Minister Fajon and Minister Safadi have met seven times, most recently in Amman last November, when she and the Portuguese Foreign Minister visited the Middle East. “Today's signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries is an important step on the path of strengthening bilateral relations. It has also been agreed that the third political consultations between the two Ministries will take place in Ljubljana in April 2024. On economic cooperation, we agreed that there are still many untapped opportunities in the economic field, especially in tourism, and Slovenia can also share its experience in eco-tourism. Furthermore, we are giving priority to Jordan in development cooperation, and two of Jordanian post-graduate students have already received Slovenian scholarships,” said Minister Fajon.